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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(CRPS)NCT07332884

Comparative Effects of Mirror Therapy and Standard Physiotherapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

A study testing Mirror Therapy and Routine Physical Therapy in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by persistent pain, sensory disturbances, motor dysfunction, and functional impairment, often following trauma or surgery. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
What is being tested?
Mirror Therapy and Routine Physical Therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
52 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
24 Nov 2024to 10 Oct 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 40 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 40-65 years
  • Both genders
  • Hemiplegic patients with subacute stage
  • Patients who developed CRPS of the hand due to stroke
  • Patients with a diagnosis of CRPS 1
  • Exclusion criteria Cognitive disorders and perceptual disorders
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Comorbid conditions (e.g., decompensated heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency
  • Hand arthritis
  • Arterial/venous injuries and/ or undergoing arterial revascularization

Who cannot join

None listed.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • University of Lahore teaching hospital

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparison of Mirror Therapy and Routine Physical Therapy for the Management of Pain, Spasticity, and Strength in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A Randomized Clinical Trial

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by persistent pain, sensory disturbances, motor dysfunction, and functional impairment, often following trauma or surgery. Conventional physical therapy is commonly used in the management of CRPS; however, treatment outcomes are often variable and incomplete. Mirror therapy is a non-invasive rehabilitation technique that uses visual feedback to influence cortical reorganization and may help reduce pain and improve motor function in patients with CRPS.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy with routine physical therapy in patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Eligible participants will be allocated into two groups. One group will receive mirror therapy in addition to standard rehabilitation exercises, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy alone. Both interventions will be delivered over a defined treatment period under supervised conditions.

Primary outcomes will include changes in pain intensity, while secondary outcomes will assess functional ability, range of motion, and overall limb use. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. This study aims to determine whether mirror therapy provides additional benefits over routine physical therapy in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Read the detailed description

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling chronic pain condition that may develop after injury, surgery, or immobilization and is associated with disproportionate pain, sensory abnormalities, motor dysfunction, and reduced use of the affected limb. These impairments significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Although routine physical therapy remains a cornerstone of CRPS management, optimal rehabilitation strategies continue to be explored.

Mirror therapy is a neurorehabilitation technique that provides visual feedback of the unaffected limb to create the illusion of normal movement in the affected limb. This approach is believed to modulate central nervous system processing, reduce maladaptive cortical reorganization, and improve motor control. Previous studies have suggested potential benefits of mirror therapy in chronic pain conditions; however, evidence comparing mirror therapy with routine physical therapy in CRPS remains limited.

This study is designed to evaluate and compare the effects of mirror therapy and routine physical therapy on pain and functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Participants will be assigned to one of two intervention groups. The experimental group will receive mirror therapy sessions alongside conventional rehabilitation exercises, while the control group will receive routine physical therapy based on standard clinical practice. Interventions will be administered by qualified physical therapists according to a predefined treatment protocol.

Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period using standardized and validated measures. The study will assess changes in pain intensity, functional performance, and limb use to determine the comparative effectiveness of mirror therapy versus routine physical therapy. Findings from this study may contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Being tested
Mirror Therapy, Routine Physical Therapy
Keywords
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS, Motor Function, Mirror therapy, Neuro rehabilitation, Pain management
Medical subject headings
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Agnosia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mirror TherapyOther

    Participants perform movements with the unaffected limb while watching its reflection in a mirror, creating the visual illusion that the affected limb is moving normally. Aimed at reducing pain and improving motor functio

  • Routine Physical TherapyOther

    Standard physical therapy including stretching, strengthening, and functional exercises to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore limb function in CRPS patients.

Study groups in NCT07332884
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Mirror Therapy GroupExperimentalParticipants in this arm will receive mirror therapy, a rehabilitation technique where movements of the unaffected limb are reflected in a mirror to create a visual illusion that the affected limb is moving normally. Therapy sessions will be conducted [specify frequency, e.g., 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week] for [specify duration, e.g., 4 weeks].
Receives: Other: Mirror Therapy
Routine Physical Therapy GroupExperimentalParticipants in this arm will receive standard physical therapy for CRPS, including exercises, stretching, and functional activities aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing limb function. Sessions will be conducted [specify frequency, e.g., 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week] for [specify duration, e.g., 4 weeks].
Receives: Other: Routine Physical Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Pain management

    Participants in both arms will receive interventions aimed at reducing pain associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. For the Mirror Therapy Group, pain reduction is targeted through visual-motor feedback, which can help retrain the brain and reduce pain perception. For the Routine Physical Therapy Group, pain is managed through exercises, stretching, and functional activities that improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and decrease pain intensity.

    Measured: Duration of intervention: 4 weeks Frequency: 30 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week Pain assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-intervention), weekly during the intervention, and at the end of 4 weeks to evaluate changes in pain intensity

  2. Hand Grip

    Hand grip strength will be measured using a dynamometer to assess the functional strength of the affected limb in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Participants will be instructed to squeeze the dynamometer maximally for a few seconds, and the best of three trials will be recorded for accuracy. This measurement evaluates improvements in motor function and muscle strength as a result of the intervention.

    Measured: • Baseline assessment: Before the start of the intervention • Interim assessments: Weekly during the 4-week intervention period • Final assessment: At the end of 4 weeks

  3. spasticity

    Spasticity of the affected limb will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), which grades muscle tone from 0 (no increase in tone) to 4 (rigid in flexion or extension). The assessment evaluates resistance to passive movement, helping to determine changes in muscle stiffness and motor control resulting from the intervention.

    Measured: Baseline: Before the start of the intervention • Interim assessments: Weekly during the 4-week intervention period • Final assessment: At the end of 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Jan 2026
  2. Study start24 Nov 2024
  3. Primary completion4 May 2025
  4. Study completion10 Oct 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This is a parallel-group interventional study in which eligible participants with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome are allocated into two intervention arms. One group receives mirror therapy in addition to routine physical therapy, while the comparison group receives routine physical therapy alone. Participants remain in their assigned intervention group for the duration of the study, and outcomes are assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
52 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07332884
Sponsor's protocol ID
70146229@student.uol.edu.pk
Acronym
(CRPS)
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
30 Dec 2025
Last updated
12 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Ozdemir EC, Elhan AH, Kucukdeveci AA. Effects of mirror therapy in post-traumatic complex regional pain syndrome type-1: a randomized controlled study. J Rehabil Med. 2024 Sep 24;56:jrm40417. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v56.40417.

    PubMed 39318174
  • Kotiuk V, Burianov O, Kostrub O, Khimion L, Zasadnyuk I. The impact of mirror therapy on body schema perception in patients with complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures. Br J Pain. 2019 Feb;13(1):35-42. doi: 10.1177/2049463718782544. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

    PubMed 30671237
  • Khoramdel F, Ravanbod R, Akbari H. Effect of high-intensity laser therapy and mirror therapy on complex regional pain syndrome type I in the hand area: A randomized controlled trial. J Hand Ther. 2025 Oct-Dec;38(4):791-798. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2025.02.009. Epub 2025 Mar 21.

    PubMed 40118675
  • Harmsen, W. J., Bulten, R., & Schrier, E. (2020). The effectiveness of mirror therapy and graded motor imagery for complex regional pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Pain, 24(8), 1575-1587.

  • Giostri GS, Souza CDA. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo). 2024 Apr 22;59(4):e497-e503. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1779331. eCollection 2024 Aug.

    PubMed 39239587
  • Ferraro MC, Cashin AG, Wand BM, Smart KM, Berryman C, Marston L, Moseley GL, McAuley JH, O'Connell NE. Interventions for treating pain and disability in adults with complex regional pain syndrome- an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Jun 12;6(6):CD009416. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009416.pub3.

    PubMed 37306570
  • Donati D, Boccolari P, Giorgi F, Berti L, Platano D, Tedeschi R. Breaking the Cycle of Pain: The Role of Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Biomedicines. 2024 Sep 20;12(9):2140. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12092140.

    PubMed 39335652
  • Cuenca-Martinez F, Reina-Varona A, Castillo-Garcia J, La Touche R, Angulo-Diaz-Parreno S, Suso-Marti L. Pain relief by movement representation strategies: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis of motor imagery, action observation and mirror therapy. Eur J Pain. 2022 Feb;26(2):284-309. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1870. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

    PubMed 34592050
  • Cacchio A, De Blasis E, De Blasis V, Santilli V, Spacca G. Mirror therapy in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 of the upper limb in stroke patients. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2009 Oct;23(8):792-9. doi: 10.1177/1545968309335977. Epub 2009 May 22.

    PubMed 19465507
  • Buraschi, R., Ranica, G., Nicassio, F., Falso, M. V., & Pollet, J. (2024). Efficacy of rehabilitative intervention on pain and function in patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 40(2), 139-146.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mirror Therapy and Routine Physical Therapy in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain management (time frame: Duration of intervention: 4 weeks Frequency: 30 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week Pain assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-intervention), weekly during the intervention, and at the end of 4 weeks to evaluate changes in pain intensity). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07332884, which also lists 10 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Jan 2026.

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